Nikon D5500 vs Sony A6300: How does the Nikon D5500, an Entry-Level DSLR camera with a 24.0MP APS-C sensor compare to the Sony Alpha A6300
, a Semi-Pro Mirrorless camera with a 24.0MP APS-C sensor? We’ve got the details. But first, here’s a quick overview of the main specifications.
Nikon D5500 vs Sony A6300 Specs
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Nikon D5500 vs Sony A6300 – Comparison
Specifications |
Nikon D5500 |
Sony A6300 |
---|---|---|
Megapixels | 24.2 | 24.2 |
Sensor Type | CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor Format | APS-C (DX) | APS-C |
Crop Factor | 1.5x | 1.5x |
AA Filter | None | Yes |
Image Resolution | 6000 x 4000 | 6000 x 4000 |
Body Image Stabilization | No | No |
Lens Mount | Nikon FX/DX | Sony E |
ISO | 100 – 25,600 | 100 – 25,600 |
Expanded ISO | No | 51,200 |
AF Points | 39 | 425 |
Cross-type AF Points | 9 | 425 phase |
Continuous Mode | 5fps | 11fps |
LCD | 3.2″ – Fully Articulated | 3.0″ – Articulating |
LCD Resolution | 1,036,800 dots | 921,600 dots |
Touchscreen | Yes | No |
Focus Peaking | No | Yes |
Top LCD Display | No | No |
Viewfinder Type | Optical | EVF (2.3M) |
Viewfinder Coverage | 95% | 100% |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.82x | 1.07x |
Video Resolution | 1920×1080 (60/50/30/25/24p) | 3840×2160 (30/25/24p) |
1280×720 (60/50p) | 1920×1080 (120/100/60/50p) | |
Microphone Jack | Yes | Yes |
Headphone Jack | No | No |
Memory Card Type | SD | SD or MS Pro |
Dual Card Slots | No | No |
SD UHS Support | UHS-I | UHS-I |
Fastest Shutter Speed | 1/4000 | 1/4000 |
Slowest Shutter Speed | 30″ | 30″ |
Bulb Mode | Yes | Yes |
JPEG Buffer Size | 100 | 44 |
RAW Buffer Size | 7 | 22 |
Time Lapse | Yes | Yes |
Built-in Flash | Yes | Yes |
Max Flash Sync Speed | 1/200 | 1/160 |
Startup Time | 0.4s | 1.4s |
Built-in Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes |
Built-in GPS | No | No |
Built- in NFC | No | Yes |
Bluetooth | No | No |
USB Type | USB 2.0 | USB 2.0 |
Environmentally Sealed | No | Yes |
Battery Life (CIPA) | 820 shots | 400 shots |
Battery Included | Yes (EN-EL14a) | Yes (NP-FW50) |
Weight | 14.8 oz (420g) | 14.3 oz (404g) |
Size | 4.9 x 3.8 x 2.8″ | 4.7 x 2.6 x 1.9″ |
Price | Amazon | Amazon |
Release Date | 2015 | 2016 |
Nikon D5500 vs Sony A6300 Common Features
Wireless Connection | Yes vs Yes | Better connectivity |
Articulating Screen | Yes vs Yes | Flexible shooting positions |
Built-in Flash | Yes vs Yes | Useful in low-light |
External Flash Shoe | Yes vs Yes | Better for flash photography |
Viewfinder | Yes (Optical) vs Yes (Electronic) | Better framing and control |
RAW Support | Yes vs Yes | Better image quality |
Face Detection Focus | Yes vs Yes | Useful for portraits |
Max Resolution | 24 MP vs 24 MP | Bigger prints and more details |
Microphone Port | Yes vs Yes | High-quality audio recording option |
AE Bracketing | Yes vs Yes | Useful for tough lighting conditions and HDR |
Nikon D5500 vs Sony A6300 Common Weaknesses
Image Stabilization | No vs No | No Built-in stabilization |
Sony A6300 vs Nikon D5500 Size Comparison
The Sony Alpha A6300 is the smaller of the two cameras. Its body is 4mm narrower, 30mm shorter and 21mm thinner than the Nikon D5500. It is also 16g lighter than the Nikon D5500. They both have the same sized sensors hence their lenses for the same aperture and focal length tend to weigh the same.
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Nikon D5500 vs Sony A6300 – Comparison
Sony A6300 vs Nikon D5500 Sensor Comparison
As mentioned, both these digital cameras have an APS-C sized 24.0 MP resolution sensors. However, the Nikon D5500’s sensor lacks an anti-alias (Low-Pass) filter. This increases sharpness and detail. But, at the same time, it also increases the chance of moire.
Why You Should Choose The Nikon D5500
Touch Screen | Yes vs No | Easy control of camera functions |
LCD Screen Size | 3.2″ vs 3″ | 0.2 inches larger display |
LCD Screen Resolution | 1.037k dots vs 922k dots | 12% higher resolution screen |
Battery Life | 820 shots vs 400 shots | 420 more frames with a single charge |
Timelapse Recording | Yes vs With optional app | Creative shooting |
Flash Coverage | 12.0m vs 6.0m | 6m longer range |
Dynamic Range | 14.0 vs 13.7 | Higher dynamic range |
Low Light ISO | 1438 vs 1437 | Better High ISO performance |
Price | $700 vs $898 | $198 cheaper |
Selfie Friendly LCD | Yes vs No | Rotate LCD for taking Selfies |
Advantages of the Nikon D5500 Over Sony A6300
- AA Filter – The Nikon D5500 has no AA filter.
- LCD – 3.2″ vs 3.0″ and it’s fully articulated.
- LCD Resolution – Higher resolution.
- Touchscreen Support
- JPEG Buffer Size – 100 vs 44.
- Max Flash Sync Speed – 1/200 vs 1/160.
- Battery Life – 820 shots vs 400 shots.
Video: Nikon D5500 Hands-on Review
Why You Should Choose The Sony A6300
Number of Focus Points | 425 vs 39 | 386 more focus points |
Viewfinder Coverage | 100% vs 95% | More accurate viewfinder |
Continuous Shooting | 11.0fps vs 5.0fps | 6 fps faster |
Weight | 404 g vs 420 g | 16 g lighter |
Environmental Sealing | Yes vs No | Shoot at tough conditions |
Color Depth | 24.4 vs 24.1 | Higher color depth |
Max Video Resolution | 3840 x 2160 vs 1920 x 1080 | Higher Resolution Video |
AE Bracketing Range | ±5 EV vs ±2 EV | Wide Bracketing range is useful for HDR |
NFC Connection | Yes vs No | Easy wireless connectivity with compatible devices |
Smartphone_remote control | Yes vs No | Remote control your camera with a smartphone |
Advantages of the Sony A6300 Over the Nikon D5500
- ISO – 51,200 vs 25,600. Higher maximum ISO sensitivity.
- AF Points – 425 vs 39.
- Continuous mode – 11fps vs 5fps. More is better for sports and wildlife since you have more chances of getting a tack sharp shot.
- Focus Peaking – Very useful for seeing if your subject is in focus (both photo and video).
- Viewfinder Coverage – 100% vs 95%.
- Viewfinder Magnification – Higher magnification.
- Video Resolution – 4K video available.
- RAW Buffer Size – 22 vs 7.
- Built-in NFC
- Environmentally Sealed – The Sony A6300 is much more protected for shooting outdoors in difficult terrain and bad weather conditions.
- Size – The Sony A6300 is noticeably smaller.